Owners and staff at a Welsh-language day nursery near Lampeter that was ripped apart by a devastating fire in 2017 are celebrating this week after a glowing report from inspectors.

Y Dyfodol nursery in Cellan, a Welsh-language nursery which provides day care, school pickups, after-school club and holiday care, was opened by Dwynwen Davies nearly 15 years ago.

After the primary school in Cellan closed its doors more than 40 years ago, Dwynwen carried out extensive renovation on the building, and in 2007 opened the doors to y Dyfodol for the first time.

In October 2017, the nursery was badly damaged by a fire that ripped through the building.

With over 200 children registered with the nursery at the time, it not only impacted the business but the area as a whole as parents were left with no childcare.

Dwynwen feared that the nursery would not reopen its doors again, but through the support of everyone around them the Dyfodol reopened its doors once again in May 2018.

Then, in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic, as with many other businesses, y Dyfodol had to temporarily shut once again.

With many businesses shutting permanently, y Dyfodol were not sure if they would ever reopen, but Dwynwen said it has “come back stronger than ever” and now has a record number of children on the books.

She said the latest assessment of the nursery has left her and staff “bursting with pride.”

An inspection by Care Inspectorate Wales received positive feedback for y Dyfodol.

“People who run the setting have an innovative vision for the future of their business, which they share with parents and carers of children,” inspectors found.

“They consistently review and share their policies and statement of purpose with parents.

“They respond instantly if changes are needed within the service to ensure children’s safety.

“They fully comply with regulations and exceed the National Minimum Standards.”

Inspectors found no areas where improvements need to be made, and said that parents with children at the nursery “highly commend the service.”

“They told us that they are delighted with the care that the nursery provides and that management staff are excellent and very approachable,” the inspectors report found.

“Parents feel that their children have made substantial progress in their development and that they are kept well informed about their children’s development and changes to the nursery’s organisation.”

Inspectors also found that “the environment is very secure and well maintained indoors and outdoors”, while the “premises is warm and inviting and is decorated with the children’s work.”

Inspectors found that staff at the nursery “are proud to be a part of the team.”

“They are thanked and feel appreciated for their work by management,” the report found.

“They feel that their wellbeing is paramount to the people who run the service, which means so much, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Children are happy, express enthusiasm and enjoy their time” at nursery, inspectors added.

Dwynwen said: “Owning a nursery and providing the best possible Welsh childcare provision to the wonderful children of this community has been a lifelong dream.

“I’m very lucky to have such wonderful and hard-working staff who always give 110 per cent.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who supports us, and we are very grateful to those who trust us with their children who we care for like they’re our own.

“We’ve been through some hard times, but if there’s one thing that has become evident throughout is that with hard work and perseverance, y Dyfodol will keep growing from strength to strength to support these wonderful children through their growth and development.”